Week 3 Waiver Wire Picks – Quarterback And Tight End

September 19, 2016 by Brendan Cole

Quarterback and tight end were able to escape the injury apocalypse that was week 2, with the notable exception of McCown. The question now is which players will continue on with their production and which were a flash in the pan. For teams that are streaming either of these positions, it is a weekly battle to stay ahead of the curve. For a look at last week's picks and a glimpse into the future forge ahead with this week's waiver wire picks.

Week 2 Recommendations Results - Tight Ends

Matt Ryan looked like a throwback version of himself in week 2, but can he keep it up against better defenses? McCown sustained a serious shoulder injury and should not be on a roster right now. Flacco has some weapons and the Ravens are going to keep throwing.

Ebron should be a decent volume play for the forseeable future. Rudolph seemed to have a nice rapport with new quarterback Sam Bradford. McDonald saved his stat line in one play, but Gabbert still will be looking his way often going forward.

Week 3 Waiver Wire Picks - Quarterback

(Listed In Order Of Preference)

Ryan Tannehill MIA

Tannehill has a date with the Browns in week 3. That means good things for owners that start the 'fins quarterback.

Tannehill slung it all day long versus the division rival Patriots and put up a gaudy stat line. In week three he gets the privilege of facing the laughable Browns' defense. With Arian Foster ailing and the Dolphins run game on the ropes, expect a lot of passes. With Landry, Parker, Stills and Cameron out there that should mean more big things for Tannehill.

This pick is being made before the Eagles play their week 2 game, but regardless I like the matchup with Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a beatable secondary and Wentz is capable of making all the throws. If the rookie can avoid mental mistakes it could be a big game for him along with Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor.

This year was a bit different than the last few as Cutler did not make an "breakout" or "sleeper" lists. Cutler is what he is at this point in his career. Week 3 brings a matchup with the Cowboys, however. That is a matchup that is good news for just about every offensive player to come across it. Huge numbers are probably out of the question but 20-22 fantasy points are within reach. That makes the perennially disappointing Cutler a solid one week fill in.

Tight End

(Listed In Order Of Preference)

Dennis Pitta BAL

Pitta was one of the better tight ends in the league before losing multiple seasons to a string of injuries. He is now working his way back to pre-injury form and the results are becoming apparent. This is a guy that I would use a decent chunk of my FAAB to get depending on the current status of your fantasy team. Pitta caught 9 passes for 102 yards in week 2. The Jaguars are the opponent in week 3 and they tend to struggle with skilled tight ends. This should mean that Pitta sees a sizeable number of targets again and with any luck finds the end zone this time.

Despite being a popular sleeper candidate coming into the year, Walford is available in most leagues. That is about to change as Derek Carr is looking his way often. Last week Walford caught 6 balls for 53 yards and a touchdown. The quarterback is gaining confidence in Walford and it should lead to big things. Amari Cooper takes up a great deal of defensive attention, leaving Walford able to exploit mismatches and make plays.

It was not the breakout game that many predicted for James in week 2. He did see 5 targets however, along with a trip to the end zone. The Steelers score enough points that James is usually worth the gamble in hopes of grabbing a touchdown pass.

About Brendan Cole

Brendan is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a concentration in journalism. He is a lifelong sports fan who is currently molding his two sons to follow in his footsteps. Follow him on Twitter

Comments

More great picks, week 2 went well for you too.. I’m double downing on Flacco for those that got him based on last weeks recommendation.

Here’s some other options that may or may not be as locked as loaded as your week 3 streamers but offer some future weeks appeal (and maybe this week too).

Sam Bradford, MIN – Bradford to Diggs was insane last night, did you watch? Peterson will miss a couple weeks (or more) and Bradford has a tough week 3 matchup – nevertheless, I like this pickup in deeper leagues if Cole’s recommendations aren’t available.

Joe Flacco, BAL – Flacco is a great QB, no really think about it… anyway, he gets JAC in week 3 and is a SOLID streaming option.

Dak Prescott, DAL – I watched Dak in college (I live in MS) and now all I hear on local sports radio is Dak this Dak that, and they’re right! Chicago just finished (what a horrible game) getting smoked by Philly at home. Dak is a good option if all else fails.